From the Desk of Fr. Ron Living in the city for many years, we can’t help but be aware of the young victims of street crime, violence and drug addictions. Many of these young people are innocent victims of violence, crime or a fatal result of one’s drug addiction. Through my mind, especially for those who had been gifted with great potential, runs the thought “how sad for us that we will be deprived of the contributions these individuals could have made to our city, town, and society.” They were deprived of living up to their full potential. This weekend’s Gospel narrative is a familiar story of Jesus from Matthew chapter 25. Having been entrusted by the master with certain of his possessions or “talents” each was left with a choice. “Do I take a risk and invest in order to make more or play it safe and secure what has been entrusted to me may be returned later?” Those who took the risk and made more were richly rewarded. I’m fairly certain that in this particular story even if the investment resulted in a loss the servant would still be applauded for the effort. The one who played it safe though loses even that which was entrusted to him and is seen as a failure. We all possess gifts, talents, and abilities that God wishes to use to further the Mission of the Kingdom and His Church here on earth. Many of our churches are filled with people who just walk through the motions, attend weekly mass, live out the minimum requirement, and play it safe in order to escape eternal damnation. Happy are those who offer their gifts of time, talent and treasure for the further development of the Kingdom of God right here and now. Many are often surprised at how God can use even one’s seemingly insignificant contribution for great things. We are all called to live up to our full potential, utilize all the time afforded us, and contribute to the building up of the Kingdom, our families, our Church and our society.

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES welcomes members of our sister parish communities to join us in an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service that will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd beginning at 6:30PM at St. Martin Parish, 555 Northampton Street in Buffalo. Do to health department concerns, please bring with you a “store purchased” loaf of bread that will service as part of our time of offering. These loaves once blessed with be shared with area homeless shelter providers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow…….